Canadian model new face of Maybelline
Canadian supermodel Herieth Paul aims to add diversity to beauty brand
It’s such a big deal, I’ve always wanted to be part of Maybelline, they have such strong iconic women representing the brand like Gigi Hadid, Christy Turlington and Adriana Lima. I’m so proud to be part of the Maybelline family and add diversity to this legendary beauty brand.
A supermodel from Ottawa has joined the accomplished ranks of Christy Turlington, Adriana Lima and Jourdan Dunn. Her name is Herieth Paul and she was recently selected as the new face of U.S. cosmetic giant Maybelline.
Paul was born in Tanzania in late 1995 but brought to Canada at age 14 by her mother’s diplomatic visa. Along with walking the runways for the likes of Diane von Fürstenberg, Lacoste, Calvin Klein and Armani, she has also appeared in Vogue Italia and the cover of the Canadian Elle magazine, as well as in beauty campaigns for Calvin Klein’s cKone, Tom Ford and Sephora.
Paul’s contract with Maybelline will see the 20-year-old, who has relocated to New York, immersed in almost two weeks of photo shoots, ads and some international travel — possibly to South Africa and India.
She discusses her rise to modelling glory:
Q When and why did you first become a model?
A I responded to an open call at AMTI (Angie’s Model And Talent) in Ottawa. I wanted to be an actress, but the founder, Angie Sakla- Seymour said “you can act when you’re 40, right now you’re a model.”
Q What would you say was your first big break in the industry?
A At age 14 I was travelling to New York City for Fashion Week and that gave me the opportunity to be in front of prominent designers and photographers.
Q You’re Canadian — hailing from Ottawa. In Canada, we’re not exactly known for being the most fashion-focused country in regard to opportunities for young models. How, if at all, has this shaped your career? Do you think it has benefited or hindered being Canadian? Or changed the way you looked at working in the industry?
A I loved being raised in Ottawa and was so happy to begin my modelling career there. I was so fortunate to have mentorship from AMTI who really helped to shape my career and provide international opportunities.
Q You’ve just been named the face of Maybelline — congratulations. What does this opportunity mean for you?
A Thank you! It’s such a big deal, I’ve always wanted to be part of Maybelline, they have such strong iconic women representing the brand like Gigi Hadid, Christy Turlington and Adriana Lima. I’m so proud to be a part of the Maybelline family and add diversity to this legendary beauty brand.
Q Did you ever imagine you would become the face of a major brand such as Maybelline?
A I’m ambitious and determined and believe that a strong work ethic can take you very far in life. I’ve dreamed about representing Maybelline and it’s rewarding to see hard work and mentorship paying off.
Q You’re a stunning woman of colour. And we’ve obviously had race-based issues in the news recently — the lack of diversity among the Oscars nominees being just one of them. How, if at all, do you hope to impact the way young women view beauty with your new platform?
A There is a lot of work that needs to be done, because out of 100 per cent of models, there are only two per cent black, and three per cent Asian, so we need to change the numbers to add more diversity to the fashion industry. I’m happy that I can represent a demographic that is very under represented. Growing up, I never saw anyone on TV or in magazines that looked like me, so I’m happy to be that girl that many young women of colour can relate to.
Q Who were some of your role models — and why?
A My mother is definitely a role model. She’s a diplomat and brought us (to Canada) at a young age so we could have a better life. She has run an orphanage in Tanzania, from before I was born. I look up to her so much and want to follow in her footsteps and provide opportunity to others not as fortunate.
Q What do you hope to accomplish with this new ambassador role?
A In addition to providing more visibility for women of colour, I’d like to help my mother and her orphanage. I have organized to take a percentage of my income to send them to school. We’re paying for university, bus fare, books … everything they need, we’re taking care of it. It’s such a small contribution and it makes a big difference in their life.
Q Lastly, I have to ask — do you have a favourite Maybelline product? If so — what is, it and why?
A My favourite Maybelline product is the Maybelline Falsies Push Up Drama Mascara. I bring it everywhere I go. I’ll apply five coats because I have really thin lashes, and I have to do a lot to get the look that I like.